Thin Object Holder Apparatus for Use with a Portable Device Patent

ABSTRACT

The disclosed is an apparatus for a portable device such as a mobile phone which includes a body defining cavities for receiving and holding thin objects, such as credit cards or business cards. The body also has other additional cavities that allow the users to access the thin objects the apparatus is holding. In conjunctions, these cavities provide added functions to the portable device users, in additional to protecting the portable device from scratches and accidental drop.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With many portable devices out in the market, such as PDAs, smart phones, mobile phones, there are holsters, casing that houses these portable devices. Traditionally, there are two main purposes of existing portable device casing:

1. To protect the portable device against scratching or accidental drop by the user

2. Add aesthetics and make the portable device fashionable to carry

There are also leather casing that provide user with more function features for holding pens, pencils, business cards, however, these casing are bulky and can not be fitted on a belt or in user's pocket.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus for use with a portable device with functional feature of holding thin object(s) that user can access with sliding action (both horizontal sliding and vertical sliding). Other functional features of the present invention include providing protection against scratching and against damage from dropping of a portable device. An example of a portable device can be, but no limited to, a smart phone, cellular phone, PDA, portable music and video player, portable communication device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of preferred embodiment A.

FIG. 2 is a back view of preferred embodiment A.

FIG. 3 is an orthogonal view of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side view of preferred embodiment B.

FIG. 5 is an orthogonal view of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention and preferred embodiment consists of, but no limited to, single or multiple pieces that snap on to the portable device itself. It can be constructed, but no limited to, with material such as plastic, thin sheet metal, or any malleable solid material.

FIG. 1 shows apparatus 100, which is a preferred embodiment for a portable device similar to the Apple iPhone. Cavity 110 is a thin cut out where the thin objects can be inserted into or slide out of the apparatus. The width and length of 110 ranges depending on type and number of thin objects apparatus 100 is made for. Cavity 160 is a opening specific for user to slide out thin object horizontally out of apparatus 100 with user's finger.

FIG. 2 shows apparatus 100 in a back view. Cavity 120, 130, 140, and 150 are cavities cut out for access to other functions of the portable device like camera, USB port, head phone. The placement of cavities like 120, 130, 140, and 150 are dependent on the portable device the apparatus is made for, and are not in focus in this patent.

FIG. 3 shows orthogonal view of FIG. 2 and clearly shows cavity 110 ready for thin objects to be inserted or taken out of the apparatus.

FIG. 4 shows side view of apparatus 200, which is a multi-piece apparatus that consist of 201 and 202. 201 wraps around the portable device and snap on to 202. 202 has cavity 210 that is a thin cut out where the thin objects can be inserted into or slide out of the apparatus 200.

FIG. 5 shows orthogonal view of apparatus 200, focusing on piece 202. 220 is a cavity specific for user to slide out thin objects vertically out of the apparatus 200.

The present invention can also be wrapped around other casing, such as a belt clip, leather carrying case, or anything that surrounds the present invention. It will be appreciated that the above description relates to the preferred embodiments by way of example only. Many variations on the invention will be obvious to those knowledgeable in the field, and such variations are within the scope of the invention as described and claimed. 

1. An apparatus for use with a portable device that holds thin object(s) comprising: a.) cavity on the side(s) of the apparatus for accessing thin objects b.) a horizontal and/or vertical cavity cut out for user to slide thin object out of the apparatus 